What can be many colors, spotted and stinky? If you guessed mold and mildew*, you're right! From damaging household surfaces to negatively affecting your health, mold can be a scary problem. Here's what you need to know.
What is mold?
Mold and mildew are fungi that grow indoors and outside. They are common in homes and thrive in warm, humid conditions. Invisible mold spores can find their way into any home through ventilation systems, open doors and windows, or even attached to clothes. Once the spores are inside, damp areas caused by water seepage, leaks or flooding provide perfect conditions for molds to grow. Mold can develop on carpeting, drywall, insulation, upholstery, fabric and more.
Do I have a mold problem?
Household molds often appear as white, grey, black, blue or green spots or discoloration. The most obvious way to find a mold problem is to see it. However, mold can grow in hidden spots, like in walls or wall cavities. In these cases, a musty, stale or earthy smell may be an indicator of the problem. Signs of previous water damage, like peeling paint and bulging wallpaper, could also be symptoms of a mold issue.
What are the dangers of mold?
Mold can damage your home by contaminating and destroying carpets, ceiling tiles, sheetrock, wood and more. In severe cases, it can lead to thousands of dollars in repair costs. Mold also represents a safety hazard to your family. Children, pregnant women, the elderly and those with respiratory conditions are at higher risk. Individuals with mold allergies and asthma can also suffer more serious reactions. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) identifies several potential health risks of mold exposure, including:
1. Respiratory problems, like difficulty breathing or wheezing
2. Nasal and sinus congestion
3. Sore throat
4. Cough
5. Eye irritation, including burning and sensitivity
6. Skin irritation, such as hives or rash
7. Aches, pains and fever
Can I prevent mold?
If you don't have mold, you can keep it that way! Make sure all rooms in your home are dryâespecially high-risk zones like basements and bathrooms. Fixing leaks and other water issues will lower the risk of mold growth. Waterproofing your basement will keep it healthy, dry and safe. This proactive approach can give you peace of mind, knowing your family is protected in every room of your home. It also eliminates the stress of dealing with costly damages caused by mold.
What should I do if I have a mold problem?
If you have a mold problem, have it checked out by a professional immediately. In many cases, a waterproofing expert can handle the problem by eliminating the mold and recommending a waterproofing solution to make sure the mold doesn't return. If the mold problem is advanced, the waterproofing technician can often refer you to a mold remediation specialist. However, once the mold is gone, it is still important to fix the underlying water issue to prevent the problem from happening again.
To find out how NV Waterproofing can help you eliminate mold and mildew and provide total waterproofing solutions for your home, visit nvwaterproofing.com or call 1-703-690-3889.
*While there are select differences between mold and mildew, the risks to your home and health are similar. For this reason, while the term mold is used throughout this blog, the risks and remedies can apply to both.
Disclaimer of Liability
The information in this blog is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute the provision of legal, engineering, architectural, professional or healthcare advice. The information provided herein should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional advisers. Before making any decision or taking any action, you should consult a professional adviser who has been provided with all pertinent facts relevant to your particular situation. The information is provided âas is,â with no assurance or guarantee of completeness, accuracy or timeliness of the information, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
